5 Incredible Mayan Ruins in Chiapas You Need to Visit

Imagine walking down a narrow path through the dense jungle of southern Mexico. The light is dim, almost like twilight, filtered through the green foliage. Above you, birds chirp and howler monkeys rustle in the branches. Then you step out into a sunny plaza surrounded by massive grey stone pyramids built over a thousand years ago, and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This is how I felt when I first walked into Palenque — one of the most magnificent Mayan ruins in Chiapas, Mexico — on a press trip in May 2026.

Chiapas was home to some of the most powerful Maya city-states of the Classic Period (250-900 CE), and today the region holds some of the best-preserved and most atmospheric ancient sites in the Americas. From the towering temples of Palenque to the jungle-locked ruins of Yaxchilán (reachable only by boat) and the colorful 1,200-year-old murals at Bonampak, this is a region where you can still feel the presence of an ancient civilization that vanished, then was reclaimed by the rainforest.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 5 best Mayan ruins in Chiapas, with practical tips for visiting each one — including entrance fees, opening hours, how to get there, and the honest pacing notes I wish I’d had before my trip. Some I visited myself; others are on my list for next time. Let’s dive in.

A Quick History of the Maya in Chiapas

While the Mayan period in all of Mesoamerica lasted approximately from 2000 BCE to 1500 CE, the Mayan cities in Chiapas peaked in the Classic Period (250 CE – 900 CE). Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Toniná, and Chinkultic were some of the most powerful Mayan city-states during that time period due to their strategic location near the Usumacinta River (today’s border with Guatemala), making it convenient for trade and political control of the area. 

Mayan culture was highly developed and sophisticated. The Mayas in Chiapas not only developed an advanced hieroglyphic writing system, but also the Long Count calendar. The Mayan Long Count calendar is a sophisticated timekeeping system that allowed the Maya to record and commemorate historical events with precise dates, demonstrating their advanced understanding of mathematics, astronomy, and history.

History of Mayan City States

Palenque rose to power under Pakal the Great (K’inich Janaab’ Pakal), who ruled the city from 615 CE to 683 CE, one of the longest reigns in Maya history. He took the throne at only 12 years old and lived to the remarkable age of 80. His tomb was discovered in 1952 in the Temple of the Inscriptions and is often cited as the most important archeological find in the Americas. The architectural Golden Age of Palenque continued under Pakal’s son K’inich Kan B’alam, who is credited with building the Cross Group temples, which include the detailed hieroglyphic history of Palenque.

Yaxchilán was ruled by the Bird Jaguar Dynasty during this time and was a strong ally of Palenque. Together, they defeated 6 rival kings and dominated the Usumacinta Region. Yaxchilán is famous for its detailed depictions of blood-letting rituals, where members of the royal families pierced themselves to induce visions of the future.

Bonampak was a smaller, less powerful vassal city to Yaxchilan and is known for the best-preserved, vivid Mayan murals. They were painted in 790 CE and rediscovered in 1946.

Toniná was the arch-rival of Palenque and even captured its ruler K’an Joy Chitam II in 711 CE. This great feat of Toniná over Palenque is depicted in stone carvings still visible at Toniná today.

Abandonment and Rediscovery

The Mayan cities of Chiapas were abandoned around 800-900 CE, which was known as the “Classic Mayan Collapse”. This abandonment of the previously thriving city-states was most likely due to a combination of prolonged drought, war, soil exhaustion, and political fragmentation.

These great civilizations were overtaken by the jungle for about 1000 years, until European explorers and archeologists rediscovered the Mayan ruins in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Mayan People Today

However, despite the political collapse of the cities, the Mayan people did not disappear. Approximately 1.5 million direct descendants of these civilizations live in Chiapas, including the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Lacandon, Chol, and Tojolabal peoples.

The Lacandon people, who live deep in the Lacandon jungle near Yaxchilán, are considered the most direct descendants of Classic Period Maya. They still maintain many traditional religious and cultural practices. They preserve their language and religious practices, often mixed with Catholic practices, as seen in San Juan Chamula, ceremonial drinks like Pox, and beautiful weaving.

In 1994, the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas brought attention to the marginalization and discrimination of the Mayan people in Mexico and brought global attention to the preservation of indigenous Maya rights in Chiapas.

Many of the Mayan ruins in Chiapas are now UNESCO Heritage Sites or protected sites managed by INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History).

When you visit these Mayan ruins, remember that they are more than just a cool sight and photo opp to add to your Mexico Bucket list. They are the living history and legacy of one of the most sophisticated historical civilizations the world has ever known.

Map of Chiapas Mayan Ruins

To help you plan your trip, please save this map of the top 5 Chiapas Mayan Ruins on Google Maps. I recommend downloading the map to your phone, so you can access it even if you don’t have cell service.

1. Palenque Archaeological Site

Location: Carretera a Palenque- Zona Arqueológica km. 8, 29960 Palenque, Chiapas, México
Opening Times: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Last entry at 4:30 PM. Closed January 1.
Entrance Fees: ~95 MXN ($5-6 USD) for international visitors; 75 MXN for Mexican nationals; children under 13 free. Separate small national park fee (~$3-4 USD) before the archaeological zone.

Palenque Info & History

If you only have time for one Maya ruin during your trip, add Palenque to your Chiapas itinerary. Palenque is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Mayan Archaeological Site in Chiapas.

The Palenque Archaeological site is located about 8 km south of the town of Palenque in northern Chiapas, surrounded by the dense jungle of Palenque National Park.

Palenque was founded 2200 years ago, but its power peaked between 600 and 800 CE under Pakal the Great, who ruled from 615 CE to 683 CE. Most of the temples currently being excavated were built by him and his son.

With 6.8 square miles (1780 hectares) and over 1400 buildings (only 10% have been excavated so far), it is the second-largest Mayan city after Tikal in Guatemala.

There are three main temples at Palenque:

• The Temple of the Inscriptions, which holds Pakal’s tomb. His sarcophagus lid is one of the most famous Mayan artworks in the world.
• The Palace Complex, which features a four-story tower, the only one of its kind at any Mayan site. It is believed to have been used for astronomical observations.
• The Cross Group, which features three temples: Temple of the Cross, Temple of the Sun, and Temple of the Foliated Cross. This temple complex was built by Pakal’s son, K’inich Kan B’alam, and features detailed hieroglyphs sharing the mythology of Palenque.

Plan your visit to Palenque

The Palenque Archaeological Site is about 20 minutes from the town of Palenque. A taxi will cost you approximately $10-15, and a shared van $2-3. From San Cristóbal de las Casas, it is a 5-6 hour drive, and most people stay overnight near Palenque. I stayed at the Hotel Ciudad Real Palenque, which was very convenient, and I loved their restaurant and pool.

I recommend getting there as soon as they open at 8 AM, as it gets really hot and the tour buses arrive around 9-10. That way, you will avoid the heat and the crowds. I recommend spending 2-4 hours in Palenque to give you enough time to explore and learn about this fascinating place and its history.

Important: The site is designed to lead you through a full tour of the complex from the main plaza and temple structure on the top of the hill, down through the jungle to the exit. The entrance and exit are NOT the same. If you drive yourself, you will have to backtrack the whole way, so I recommend taking a taxi, a ride-share, or a shared van.

My Take on Palenque

I loved Palenque, because it was the most extensive and well-preserved Mayan ruin complex I have visited so far. It was incredible to climb the well-restored ruins and see the tomb of Pakal and the detailed hieroglyphs.

It is easily accessible from Palenque town and not too off the beaten path, with many hotels and touristy amenities nearby that make it easy to travel to. That was also why it was by far the most touristy, busy, and well-maintained Mayan ruin in Chiapas I visited.

My favorite part was the hike down through the jungle and along the waterfall with hidden ruins peeking through the jungle. It was much quieter than the main plaza and simply beautiful. It was also much cooler and refreshing in the shade of the jungle.

2. Yaxchilán Archaeological Site

Address: 29935 Chiapas, Mexico
Opening hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (closes earlier than most sites; plan accordingly)
Site entrance fee: ~75-90 MXN ($4-5 USD) per person + Boat cost ~1,200-1,500 MXN ($65-80 USD) per boat (up to 6 passengers)

Yaxchilán Info & History

Yaxchilán is an adventure. Located in the Lacandon jungle, Yaxchilán is one of the most remote Mayan ruins in Chiapas. It is about 3.5 hours from Palenque by car to Frontera Corozal. There, you need to hop on a boat for a 45-minute ride on the Usumacinta River to reach the ruins. The river forms a natural border with Guatemala and was an important trade route in the Mayan empire, as well as a natural protection of the Yaxchilán city-state.

After your boat ride, you disembark on a sandy shore along the river and walk up a tall staircase to a beautiful jungle path, which leads through a thick, green forest. I saw stunning wild orchids and even a bunch of howler monkeys playing in the treetops above.

After a few hundred yards, you reach the first building called the “Labyrinth,” and the name is definitely fitting. There are multiple paths and staircases up and through the building, and there is no natural light. I highly recommend using your cell phone or a flashlight inside this building so you don’t trip. If you are tall, duck, as you don’t want to disturb the “vampiros” aka bats hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere of this temple definitely reminded me of the famous first scene of Indiana Jones’ Raiders of the Lost Ark. Thankfully, this temple wasn’t booby-trapped.

Once you step out of the Labyrinth, you can see the main Acropolis of Yaxchilán in front of you. The main temple is a little further down on the right-hand side: Building 33 atop the Grand Staircase. The staircase is not for the faint of heart (and unfit), as the stairs are very narrow and steep. Building 33 was built in 756 CE and is dedicated to the Yaxchilán ruler Bird Jaguar IV. Various lintels and hieroglyphs depict important scenes of his life, including him as a ball player and him and his wife.

Behind Building 33, you can follow a narrow and steep jungle path to the South Acropolis. My travel companions really enjoyed it, because they had it almost to themselves, but I skipped it as the heat was getting to me.

Plan Your Visit to Yaxchilán

Yaxchilán is very remote. It is about 3-3.5 hours by car from Palenque and over 12 hours from San Cristóbal. I highly recommend spending 1-2 days in the area to explore Yaxchilán, Bonampak, and the Lacandon Jungle. Most people combine a visit to Yaxchilán with a visit to Bonampak in one day – check my 4 Day Chiapas Itinerary for more details on how to plan that day.

To get to Yaxchilán, you have to reach Frontera Corozal, a small tourist hub with some shops and restaurants. From there, you can hire a boat to get to the ruins, which takes about 45 minutes each way. A return boat ride is about 1200-1500 pesos (65-80 USD) and can fit 6 people. If your group is smaller, see if you can share a boat with other travelers to save costs.

Since the boat ride alone takes about 1.5 hours, I recommend planning 4-6 hours for your visit to Yaxchilán. There are no shops at the ruins, so bring enough water and some snacks.

Pro Tip: Order your food at one of the restaurants at Frontera Corozal before you head to the ruins. Just let them know when you plan to return, and your food will be ready when you get back.

Many travelers stay overnight at Camp Top Che or other eco-lodges in the Lacandon Jungle region.

My Take on Yaxchilán

Yaxchilán had a very dark and mysterious atmosphere. It is not as well preserved as Palenque or Bonampak, and it felt more adventurous.

Maybe the atmosphere of these ruins feels a bit darker because of their history of gruesome rituals. Yaxchilán was famous for the blood-letting and self-mutilation practices of the ruling elite to induce visions of the future. There were also human sacrifices of high-ranking prisoners of war.

I really enjoyed the trip to Yaxchilán and its unique riverside location. I highly recommend you add it to your Chiapas trip.

3. Bonampak Archaeological Site

Address: 29933 Chiapas, Mexico
Opening hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Last entry ~4:30 PM
Entrance fee: ~80 MXN ($4-5 USD) per person + Local transfer fee ~100-150 MXN ($5-8 USD) per person for the mandatory local-driver transfer

Bonampak Info & History

Bonampak is a vassal state of Yaxchilán, and while it is small, you should not miss it. Its name means “Painted Walls” in Yucatec Maya. This is a direct reference to the site’s most famous feature: 3 chambers atop the main ruin, each with colorful, floor-to-ceiling wall paintings. The vivid frescoes date back to 790 CE and are the best-preserved and complete Mayan murals.

• Chamber 1 depicts a royal celebration, with musicians and dancers preparing a young prince for the succession.
• Chamber 2 depicts a brutal battle scene and the gruesome torture of captives — among the most violent imagery in Maya art.
• Chamber 3 shows ritual blood-letting by royal family members in honor of the new heir.

I was blown away by how vivid the murals were and how the colors were still so vibrant after hundreds of years. I learned that mineral pigments and a humid microclimate inside the sealed rooms preserved the paintings for over 1,200 years.

Plan Your Visit to Bonampak

Like Yaxchilán, Bonampak, I recommend you visit on an overnight trip from Palenque (3-3.5 hours one way). It is not advisable from San Cristóbal. For a visit to Bonampak, I recommend you plan about 2 hours. You can combine it with a visit to Yaxchilán on the same day. Go to Bonampak first thing in the morning and then continue on to Frontera Corozal and Yaxchilán. We got to Bonampak right at opening time and had the whole archeological site to ourselves for the first 30ish minutes of our visit.

Note that you cannot take backpacks and hats into the chambers, and flash photography of the murals is not allowed.

Tour buses and minivans cannot drive directly to Bonampak, so you must hire a local driver. The transfer takes about 15 minutes and costs $5-8 per person.

Most travelers stay overnight at Camp Top Che or other eco-lodges in the Lacandon Jungle region.

My Take on Bonampak

I loved Bonampak, and the murals really surprised me. Most other Mayan ruins feature stone carvings and hieroglyphs, which I personally find more abstract than the vivid wall paintings at Bonampak. The colorful paintings at Bonampak, showcasing the daily life of the Mayans, really brought Mayan culture to life for me.

4. Toniná Archaeological Site

Location: 29939 Ocosingo, Chiapas, Mexico
Opening Times: Daily 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Entrance Fees: ~65-85 MXN ($3-5 USD) per person; discount available with Mexican ID

Toniná Info & History

If you have a soft spot for ancient pyramids, you’ll want to add Toniná to your Chiapas itinerary. Located about 8 miles (13 km) east of the town of Ocosingo, Toniná is home to one of the tallest pyramids in Mesoamerica — a 7-tier acropolis rising 243 feet (74 meters) into the sky, taller than the famous Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán.

The catch? Because Toniná is built into a natural hillside rather than standing freely on flat ground, it often gets left off lists of the world’s tallest pyramids. But climbing all 7 levels is no joke, and the panoramic views from the top stretch across the surrounding valleys.

Toniná was a powerful Mayan city occupied from about 400 CE to 909 CE. It actually outlasted Palenque, which fell silent around 800 CE. The two cities were arch-rivals, and in 711 CE, Toniná pulled off one of the great upsets of the Classic Period: they captured Palenque’s ruler, K’an Joy Chitam II, in battle. You can still see this triumph commemorated in stone carvings at the site today. What a fascinating glimpse into Mayan political drama 1,300 years ago.

Toniná is also famous for the Mural of the Four Suns, one of the most important stucco friezes in the Mayan world, and for over 100 carved stelae depicting bound captives and royal victories. The visuals use a darker, more violent visual language than you’ll find at Palenque or Bonampak.

Plan Your Visit to Toniná

Toniná is one of the easiest archeological sites to add to your Chiapas trip. It is roughly halfway between Palenque and San Cristóbal. From San Cristóbal, it’s about 2-2.5 hours by car or colectivo to Ocosingo, then a short 15-minute taxi ride east to the ruins. From Palenque, it’s about 3-3.5 hours, making it a perfect morning stop if you’re driving between the two cities.

Plan about 2-3 hours to fully explore Toniná, including the climb to the top of the acropolis. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and pace yourself — those 7 levels add up quickly in the heat.

While you’re in Ocosingo, treat yourself to the local specialty: Queso de Bola de Ocosingo — a creamy regional cheese with a tangy outer rind. Restaurants like Restaurante Maya’amaya and El Campanario are good lunch stops in town.

My Take On Toniná

I didn’t make it to Toniná on my press trip, but it’s at the top of my list for my next visit to Chiapas. The combination of an underrated pyramid taller than Teotihuacán, smaller crowds than Palenque, and that juicy rivalry history is exactly the kind of off-the-beaten-path Mexico experience I love. If you have time for a fourth ruin on your trip, this is the one to add — especially if you’re driving between Palenque and San Cristóbal anyway.

5. Chinkultic Archaeological Site

Location: Carretera Internacional Lagos de Montebello, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico, 30160, Chis., Mexico
Opening Times: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on national holidays)
Entrance Fees: Currently free (donations welcomed); separate Montebello Lakes National Park entry fee ~30-60 MXN ($1.50-3 USD)

Chinkultic Info & History

If you’re planning a trip down to southern Chiapas to visit the famous Lagunas de Montebello, do yourself a favor and add Chinkultic to your day. This smaller, less-visited Mayan site is located inside Montebello Lakes National Park. It is about 33 km southeast of Comitán de Domínguez and very close to the Guatemala border.

The name “Chinkultic” comes from a Mayan word meaning “stepped cenote” or “sunken well”. It is a reference to the dramatic blue cenote (sinkhole) at the heart of the site. Mayan divers have actually recovered ancient artifacts from the bottom of this cenote, suggesting it was used for ceremonial offerings.

You’ll also find a Mesoamerican ball court in the lower plaza, where the Maya once played their ritual ball games.

Chinkultic was occupied from about 50 BCE to 1250 CE, with its peak development between 700 and 900 CE during the Late Classic period. It’s a smaller site than Palenque or Yaxchilán, but what it lacks in scale, it makes up for in setting. The main temple, El Mirador, sits atop a steep limestone hill, and the panoramic views from the top stretch over the cenote, the surrounding jungle, and the turquoise lakes of Montebello. It is one of the most spectacular settings of any Mayan ruin in Mexico.

Plan Your Visit to Chinkultic

You can visit Chinkultic easily as a day trip from San Cristóbal (about 3 hours by car) or Comitán (much closer). Most travelers combine it with a tour of the Lagunas de Montebello, and many tours from San Cristóbal include both sites for around $70 USD per person.

Visiting Chinkultic alone takes about 1-2 hours, but if you’re combining it with the lakes, plan for a full day. From Palenque, this site is not practical as a day trip — it’s a 7-8 hour drive each way, so save it for when you’re already in the southern part of the state.

The climb to El Mirador is moderately steep and can be slippery when wet, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water. There are small comedores at the park entrance and lakeside restaurants at Bosque Azul and Tziscao if you need a meal.

My Take On Chinkultic

Like Toniná, Chinkultic is on my list for next time. The combination of a hilltop temple, a sacred cenote, and panoramic views over the Lagunas de Montebello sounds like the kind of place where the setting alone is worth the trip. If you’re already heading to the lakes, adding an hour or two for Chinkultic is a no-brainer.

More Sites Worth Visiting With Extra Time

If you have an extra day or two in Chiapas (or you’re a serious archaeology buff), here are three lesser-known Mayan sites that didn’t make my top 5 but are worth knowing about.

Izapa is located near Tapachula in southern Chiapas, very close to the Guatemala border. It’s a fascinating pre-Maya transition site that predates the Classic Period — many archaeologists believe Izapa was a cultural bridge between the Olmec and Maya civilizations, with carved stelae depicting some of the earliest Mayan iconography ever found.

Plan de Ayutla is an emerging archaeological site deep in the Lacandon Jungle that’s only recently been opened to visitors. Some researchers believe it may have been the legendary lost city of Sak Tz’i’, mentioned in ancient Mayan texts but only confirmed in 2018. The site is still actively being excavated and offers a rare chance to see Mayan archaeology in progress.

Lacanhá is a small community-managed site near Bonampak, run by the Lacandon Maya. It’s a great option if you want to combine an archaeological visit with cultural immersion — the local community offers guided tours, traditional meals, and overnight stays in eco-lodges.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Mayan Ruins in Chiapas

A trip to the Mayan ruins in Chiapas is an active, adventure-filled experience, not a casual day of sightseeing. Here are a few honest things to consider before you go.

Fitness & Climbing

Most Mayan ruins in Chiapas require a lot of climbing on steep, narrow, and often crumbly stone staircases. At Yaxchilán, the Grand Staircase up to Building 33 is genuinely not for the faint of heart. At Toniná, you’ll be climbing all 7 levels of the acropolis. Even at Palenque, the hike down through the jungle to the exit involves uneven steps and slippery rocks.

I hike regularly and run about 10-15 miles per week, and I was still out of breath at the top of some of these ruins. If you have mobility issues or a fear of heights, you can still enjoy the lower plazas and outer structures — just know that you may have to skip some of the most iconic climbs.

Heat, Humidity & Timing

The Chiapas jungle is HOT — often 95-100°F (35-37°C) with close to 100% humidity. The single best thing you can do is arrive at opening time (8:00 AM at Palenque, Bonampak, and Toniná; 8:30 AM at Yaxchilán). You’ll beat both the heat and the tour buses, which typically roll in by 9:30-10:00 AM.

The best time of year to visit is November through April, the dry season. May through October brings heavy rains, muddy trails, and stronger sun.

What To Wear & Bring

• Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners (the stones are slippery)
• Light, breathable long-sleeve shirt and pants (sun and bug protection). I love these zipable hiking pants!
• Wide-brimmed sun hat
• Plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen
• Cash in small peso bills (most sites don’t take cards)
• A small day pack

Photography & Cultural Respect

Most ruins allow regular photography, but no flash inside the mural rooms at Bonampak! The light damages the ancient pigments. At some ruins, you also cannot bring tripods or selfie sticks.

And remember, these aren’t just photo backdrops. They are the sacred legacy of an ancient civilization whose descendants still live in this region today. Be respectful, follow posted signs, and never climb on structures that are roped off.

FAQs

Final Thoughts On The Best Mayan Ruins In Chiapas

Visiting the Mayan ruins in Chiapas was one of the most fascinating travel experiences I’ve had in Mexico. Walking through Palenque’s jungle-covered plazas, climbing the Grand Staircase at Yaxchilán, and standing in front of 1,200-year-old murals at Bonampak gave me a deep appreciation for just how sophisticated, artistic, and powerful this ancient civilization was.

Whether you have time for one ruin or all five, Chiapas rewards travelers who go beyond the resort towns and dig into Mexico’s incredible history. And the best part? You can easily pair these ruins with stunning waterfalls, colonial mountain towns, and indigenous cultural experiences for an unforgettable adventure.

For a complete trip plan, check out my 4-Day Chiapas itinerary for first-time visitors, which combines three of these ruins with the region’s most beautiful waterfalls and Magical Towns. And once you’re done here, don’t miss my guide to the best waterfalls in Chiapas (coming soon) — they’re the perfect companion to a Mayan ruins trip.

Have you visited the Mayan ruins in Chiapas, or are you adding them to your travel bucket list? Let me know in the comments below — I’d love to hear which one you’re most excited to see!

Last Updated on June 26, 2026 by Maria Haase

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